Derbyshire club chiefs hit back at ‘closure’ petition that has gained more than 3,500 signatures

A Derbyshire nightclub has hit back at a petition calling for the nightspot’s closure after a spate of alleged ‘violent incidents’.

The petition, against the Association Ripley, has gained more than 3,500 signatures.

Organisers of the online petition, on Change.org, claim they have been subjected to ‘rude’ and ‘intimidating’ behaviour at the site and have called for the Church Street club to be ‘boycotted’ or ‘shut down’.

But club chiefs have argued staff take safety of customers ‘very seriously’.

It comes after Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed officers were investigating complaints about an alleged assault at the nightclub door in the early hours of Sunday, November 11.

Concerns raised on the petition, listed on the Change.org website, include claims of anti-social behaviour and violent incidents.

Posting on the page, Leia Castledine said: “I’ve seen some really awful things while I’ve been there.”

Sophie Ogden posted: “The amount of complaints about this place is ridiculous.

A Facebook group, called ‘Boycott Association Ripley’, set up on the back of the petition, has also gained more than 3,500 members.

Friends Rachel Orme, Rhiane Lawrence and Nicole Pettipierre set up the petition after their own experiences at the club.

Rachel said: “A lot of places are very friendly in Ripley and you can always have fun and a laugh, even with strangers you meet on a night out.

“It’s time we spoke out about this and made a difference.”

A spokesperson for The Association said: “We are professional and experienced operators.